A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to allow cycling in Chapel Street has prompted fears for safety.

The idea, which is set to be considered at next week’s Southport area committee meeting, has received a mixed response from residents and councillors.

It is proposed to allow cycling in Chapel Street, and the top of Tulketh Street. It has been banned in both areas since the £4m pedestrianisation in 2007, which was an attempt to revitalise the town centre.

Southport’s police neighbourhood inspector, Gary Fairbrother, has publicly backed the ban since then, although cyclists are often seen in Chapel Street, dodging shoppers.

Ward councillor Tony Dawson said: “ I totally support the police in this. The risk to life and limb is too great in these pedestrian areas." And Southport area committee’s chairwoman, Cllr Sue McGuire, said: "I think this will be an important debate on what is an emotive issue."

The proposal also attracted a mixed response from Southport residents on the Visiter Facebook page.

Mark Lee posted: “It's all about common sense, I have no problem with people cycling at walking pace on any pavement – it's the idiots that ride through pedestrians at road speeds that are the problem, the police should be able to stop anyone riding a bike on the pavement if they feel they aren't riding appropriate to the environment.”

Zack Downey posted: “This is a ridiculous idea. It’s a hazard for families and the elderly who may not be able to move out of the way fast enough.

“Chapel Street was designed to be a calm, friendly, shopping environment. Allowing cyclists to use it would contradict the whole reason Chapel Street was pedestrianised.”

Katy Hands-Hibbert posted: “Statistically significant incidents in the town of pedestrians vs bike riders is next to nothing compared to those of bike riders vs vehicles. So it's a no-brainer really, sure you'll have idiots going too fast, but pretty sure people in mobility scooters cause more risk!”

In 2009 Sefton Council prosecuted pensioner Ormskirk Geoff Dornan, after he was spotted rollerskating down Chapel Street.

Southport area committee will meet in Southport town hall on Wednesday at 6.30pm.